Did You Know?

I live in Edmonton because it might just be the most open city on the continent right now: open to new ideas, new conversations, new businesses, new art and architecture. A new sense of self. Edmonton and Edmontonians are deeply curious. We're listening to each other and we're willing to take risks as we plot the future of this strange northern city.
Author and entrepreneur Todd Babiak

Edmonton’s percentage rate of increase in immigration from 2006 to 2010 was 71%, the highest of seven major cities across Canada. Citizenship and Immigration Canada data show 11,007 newcomers to Canada chose to settle in Edmonton in 2010 – good news for the social and economic sustainability of our city and region.

I am a newcomer to Canada; I got here in May 2011 with my wife. I would like to thank the City of Edmonton, and I am not referring just to the municipal government, but also to the citizens who have welcomed us so well since the first day. I think I can say this in the name of all newcomers - you really know how to make us not regret living in your country.  The best of the best to all of you.
Ed Buchanan, citizen 

Edmonton City Manager Simon Farbrother has been selected president-elect of the Washington, D.C.-based International City/County Management Association. He will serve as president-elect for a year commencing October 2012 and assume the role of president at the 99th Annual Conference in Boston in 2013. ICMA’s mission is to create excellence in local governance by promoting professional management worldwide and increasing the proficiency of appointed chief administrative officers, assistant administrators, and other employees who serve local governments and regional entities around the world.

Edmonton’s one-window 311 information service received 2,019,439 contacts in 2011, a 19% increase over 2010. Almost half of the calls had to do with transit trip planning.

25%: Percentage growth of Aboriginal population in Edmonton from 2001 to 2006. Aboriginal people made up 4.8% of Edmonton’s total population in 2001, a number that grew 5.6% in 2006. Updated numbers are expected from Statistics Canada this year.

199: number of cities worldwide joining Edmonton as signatories to the 2012 Global Cities Covenant on Climate, agreeing to at least 10 initiatives to reduce greenhouse gases.

“Priscila (311 information agent) was polite and fulfilled all my expectations.  She was just very polite, and answered all the questions I asked.  She took her time and I did not feel brushed off.  Provided numbers imperative to me when I am taking the bus; shared information where I can pick up bus schedules, and she had a sense of humour.  She needs a raise of at least $10.  You have been awesome.”
Autumn Baird, citizen

175: scarves knitted by Assessment & Taxation Branch volunteers for participants in the Canada Winter Games Special Olympics; national total – 3,200 scarves.

160: kilometers of biking, hiking, skiing, walking and snow-shoeing trails in “Ribbon of Green” river valley parks, recognized as the longest interlinked urban parkland system in North America.